Nitrates and nitrites are preservatives that are added to certain meats to affect a desirable color and prevent the growth of poisons and bacteria. When nitrates and nitrites are exposed to heat and other conditions during the curing process, they are sometimes transformed into nitrosamines, which have been linked to cancer in a number of studies.
In addition to this, nitrates and nitrites have been linked to "stalling"--or unexpected stops in weight loss--even when consumers are on low carb diets, such as Atkins, that specifically prescribe the consumption of meat that could potentially contain nitrates and nitrites.
Most meats that contain nitrates and nitrites (sausage, bacon, ham, and some types of smoked fish) also have high amounts of fat. This could, in part, explain for the stalling--if the fat intake far surpasses the prescribed amount (for low carb diets) needed to "satiate" the body and prevent it secretion of hormones that stall weight-loss.
Cured meats are also generally high in LDL cholesterol, which experts say is responsible for clogging arteries, when it slowly deposits and then mixes with other compounds to form plaque, a hard substance that blocks passageways, preventing the flow of blood to the heart.
If you subscribe to a low carb weight loss plan, you should monitor your intake of nitrates and nitrites carefully to mitigate the accumulation of carcinogenic nitrosamines and prevent "stalls" or high levels of bad cholesterol caused by over-consumption of fatty cured meats.
If you do continue to consume a sizable portion of these meats on your low carb diet, you should try to find a source of preservative-free, fresh meat, whether it be a local butcher or a mail-order meat source.
In addition, you should specifically choose meats and portions that keep your cholesterol consumption below 300 mg/day--and your fat intake at a reasonable level according to the precepts of your low carb diet.
Benji Paras runs http://www.list-of-low-carb-food.com, specializing in the benefits of the low-carb lifestyle. The site contains a treasure trove of information for losing weight, and includes a http://www.list-of-low-carb-food.com along with informative articles and the latest low-carb headlines.
limousine Ackley .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareTo say that Americans are obsessed with dieting is an... Read More
Dieting will continue to fail most dieters, unless personalized weight... Read More
Weight Loss and Water: A Way to Make Your Body... Read More
I just read this conventional diet tip ? and we've... Read More
Sometimes it's good to just let the feelings flow. Take... Read More
Sometime, during the phase of rapid weight loss after gastric... Read More
Now that the holiday season is here, holiday foods and... Read More
You may not like what I'm about to say, but... Read More
You see it all the time; people agonizing over their... Read More
What do you think of the hundreds of weight loss... Read More
How much will power does it take in order to... Read More
If You are sick of losing the same weight over... Read More
This Article was originally Published in The July 2004 Issue... Read More
Every weight loss surgery patient I've met said they at... Read More
Yes Virginia, the fail-safe weight loss formula exists.It's so simple,... Read More
Fat is fuel. That is basically what it is. A... Read More
Sometimes, just the thought of starting on a diet and... Read More
Before many Australians recently, a devastating story unfolded on a... Read More
One of the biggest scams ever successfully pulled on the... Read More
It's definitely no fun to lose weight -- put it... Read More
With the rise of obesity and the increasing incidence of... Read More
What to Do with the Leftovers?Okay, tell me if you've... Read More
Q: "I'm wondering if you can help me. I'm not... Read More
Green tea has been highly valued in Asia for centuries... Read More
There are a lot of "crash" diets out there that... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare Alexander ..Your pants are a bit tight, you can't seem to... Read More
Axiom Number One - Nourish your body.Probably the most important... Read More
Changing habits is one of the most difficult challanges we... Read More
I am not a diet and fitness guru or an... Read More
You are not a kid any more and becoming a... Read More
The goal of many athletes and exercisers is to "get... Read More
A question from one of our readers:Dr. Mericle,With respect to... Read More
If you have been dieting, there is a good chance... Read More
The holidays are definitely a special time of year. These... Read More
Include in your diet things that contain more water like... Read More
If you pick the right personal trainer?you'll most definitely see... Read More
One thing I really must say at the outset of... Read More
We all encounter those hosts and hostesses who feel it... Read More
To see the "low carb" diets on the way out... Read More
One of the most popular diets is the low carb... Read More
--ONE--Learn how to reduce the fat, sugar and salt content... Read More
There are several theories on the origins of Valentine's Day.... Read More
A common claim from gastric bypass detractors is that after... Read More
Today I stopped by my favorite coffee shop in Berkeley,... Read More
Dealing with your sweet-tooth can be one of the greatest... Read More
Yep, it is that time of year again! Time to... Read More
Lose Weight - Get A Break ---------------------------------------- The American Obesity... Read More
I remember back in my senior year of high school... Read More
The rediscovery of the wealth of the wonder drug Hoodia... Read More
Holidays and special events should be a time of great... Read More
Weight Loss |